Muslim netas, ex-officers resolve to back Congress

Bengaluru: Nearly six months before the Assembly elections in Karnataka, Muslim community leaders and retired Muslim officers have reportedly decided to wholeheartedly back the Congress party. 

The leaders have reportedly even decided to warn Muslims of social boycott if they supported the Janata Dal (Secular), MIM or SDPI, which might field Muslim candidates in the elections. 

Those who attended the meeting felt that under no circumstance should Muslim community votes get divided which would only benefit the BJP. A large number of Muslim community leaders from Bengaluru and a small section of leaders from Shivamogga, Kolar, Tumakuru and Chitradurga attended the meeting at which a Core Committee, comprising senior leaders from the community was constituted which would chalk out the future course of action.

The meeting also decided to bring Maulanas from across the state for a meeting where they would be convinced to back the Congress party.

Sources in the community said a senior Congress leader and a big businessman from the community were behind this campaign. Explaining the reason for holding the meeting, sources explained that recently, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) held a big rally which was attended by over a lakh people. 

“The SDPI is likely to field candidates in 60 seats and the Hyderabad-based MIM might field candidates in 40 assembly segments. This has become a cause of worry for Congress leaders as these parties might split minority vote,” sources said.